The new rule is meant to make roads safer for schoolchildren, pedestrians and crossing guards.

"Once the pedestrian is on the roadway that's different because now traffic has to stop in both directions," said Const. Clint Stibbe of the Toronto Police Service.

Hitting the gas too soon could bring a fine between $150 and $500 — double when the offence happens at a school crosswalk.

Some say the new law will be a challenge for police.

"It's silly because especially in downtown I mean it doesn't work like that, people they even pass through the red lights, it's very, very difficult to enforce," taxi driver Isiah Tashome told CBC News.